Goal Conflict

Goal conflict (AKA competing goals) are goals that compete
with each other, such that the pursuit of one goal detracts from
the pursuit of the other (Emmon, King & Sheldon, 1993). Goal
conflict can lead to ambivalence about progress toward competing
goals and concomitant decrements in psychological and physical
health.

Types and Examples:

Inherent conflict arises when progress toward one goal implies
more difficulty in reaching another goal.

Pursuing a goal to lose weight undermines a goal to go out
for ice cream with ones friends, and vice versa.

Resting an injury impedes ability to prepare for competition,
and visa versa.

Goal conflict can be resolved by giving up or at least reducing
commitment to one of the conflicting goals. Optimistic individuals
are more likely to adopt and retain conflicting goals, particularly
goals competing for resources. On the other hand, optimistic
individuals have lower levels of depression and less rumination,
which are potential consequences of conflicting goals (Segerstrom
& Solberg Nes 2006).